Monday, October 05, 2009

DTN News: India Requires Another 50 Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Aircrafts From Russia
*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - October 5, 2009: India wants to buy another 50 Sukhoi-30MKI multi-role fighters, an Indian daily reported on Friday.
According to The Times of India, the 50 air-superiority fighters will come on top of the 230 already contracted from Russia in three deals worth a total of $8.5 billion. Purchases by India of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, which have significantly enhanced combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force, and previous sales of the Su-27 and Su-30 fighters to China and Vietnam may determine further development of air forces in the Asia-Pacific region and help maintain the balance of power.
The competition on the Asia-Pacific military aircraft market, made ever keener by the recent sales of the Su-30MKI fighters, requires from potential buyers a clear understanding of basic specifics of aircraft.
The flight performance, technical characteristics and combat capabilities of any aircraft primarily depend on their assigned role, tactical tasks and mission environment. These factors alone distinguish the Russian fighter from its foreign counterparts. The Su-30MKI design, having retained the best features of the unsurpassed Su-27 air-superiority fighter, boasts enhanced functional capabilities. It should be noted that comparison of the Su-30MKI, a heavy-class fighter, with the F-16C Block 50, F-16C Block 60, and F-18E/F aircraft is largely theoretical, as they belong to conceptually different fighter classes and have their own, preferential areas of combat employment. For example, the F-18E/F version, owing to the F/A-18 basic design, features a more pronounced strike-mission capability, while in terms of dimensions, this aircraft is close to the Russian fighter.
The paper quoted Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Marshal P V Naik as saying his force was indeed "interested" in acquiring more Sukhois, which will be "the mainstay of India's fighter fleet for the foreseeable future, to further enhance its combat potential."
He stressed, however, that the acquisition was not "country or adversary-specific."
India previously said it was satisfied with the performance of Russian Su-30MKI fighters.
The IAF originally ordered 50 Su-30MKI aircraft from Russia in 1996-98 and an additional 40 planes in 2007. Hindustani Aeronautics (HAL) was also contracted to build 140 aircraft in India between 2003 and 2017 under a licensed production agreement.

DTN News: Boeing ~ Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team Capabilities Complete Key Test*Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - October 5, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced Oct. 1, 2009., that Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) capabilities, including unmanned ground and air vehicles, sensors, precision launch systems and network integration kits, completed a Limited User Test on Sept. 12 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Future Integration Test Directorate, United States Army Operational Test Command, under the direction of Maneuver Test Director Col. Steven Duke, led the effort of 256 Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors as they collected data for a Limited User Test to provide input to the Army Evaluation Center on the effectiveness, suitability and survivability of the E-IBCT systems. OTC test support teams work around the clock to harvest data during a Limited User Test on Early-Infantry Brigade Combat Team spin out systems at White Sands. Photo courtesy of USAOTC.
The Limited User Test was a three-week, soldier-driven independent review of the maturity, readiness, and functionality of E-IBCT capabilities that was developed and overseen by the Army Test and Evaluation Command. Results will be compiled in an assessment report later this year as part of the process leading to limited-rate initial production.
These capabilities are planned to be fielded to seven Infantry Brigade Combat Teams beginning in 2011. Boeing, along with its teammate Science Applications International Corp. [NYSE: SAI], is the prime contractor for the development and fielding of the E-IBCT effort, which is also known as Increment 1. Additional increments are planned by the Army as part of the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization strategy.
"The completion of the Limited User Test is another important milestone in fielding enhanced capabilities to our soldiers as soon as possible," said Gregg Martin, Boeing vice president and program manager. "We look forward to working with our Army customer in moving toward a production decision later this year."
These E-IBCT capabilities, developed out of the Future Combat Systems program and now transitioned to support the Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization effort, will provide soldiers with enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as increased survivability and lethality. Initial capabilities include:
*Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle: a robotic system capable of reconnaissance missions in dangerous or difficult situations such as entering buildings, caves and tunnels
*Class I Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV): a small, soldier-operated UAV that can hover for reconnaissance and surveillance while providing target acquisition
*Unattended Ground Sensors: multi-mode surveillance sensors for target detection, location and classification, with an imaging capability for identification
*Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System: an unmanned missile system capable of extended range targeting and precision attack
*Network Integration Kit: an integrated computer system that hosts the latest communications and radio systems and battle command software, providing the initial network connectivity needed to transfer sensor and communication data.
SAIC is a FORTUNE 500® scientific, engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. The company's approximately 45,000 employees serve customers in the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. Government civil agencies and selected commercial markets. SAIC had annual revenues of $10.1 billion for its fiscal year that ended January 31, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.saic.com/. SAIC: From Science to Solutions®
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - October 5, 2009: Russia's state arms export firm voiced optimism on Friday about winning a multibillion-dollar Brazilian fighter jet tender despite rival bids from French, U.S. and Swedish aerospace companies. The MiG-35 is fitted with western standard Mil-1553 bus and advanced Russian made weaponry. Reliability and serviceability have been improved, reducing operating cost and improving serviceability by 2.5 times (compared to older MiG-29s). MiG-35 is equipped with an optronic target tracker, identical to the system used on the Su-30MKI. For precision air-to-ground attack missions, the aircraft can be equipped with a conformal electro-optical targeting module, installed under the right air intake. The aircraft is equipped with radar warning, electro-optical missile launch warning and laser warning sensors, and integral active self protection (jamming, chaff and flare) as part of the integral self-defense system. The aircraft has four additional hardpoints and can haul an external payload in excess of six tons.
Most of the systems introduced in the MiG-35 can be applied to older MiG-29s through upgrading programs.
The aircraft is powered by two RD-33 MK engines digitally controlled smokeless engines, producing 9000kgf of thrust each. This type is an improved and uprated version of the standard RD33 engine. The engine was developed to power the carrier based MiG-29K and modernized version MiG-29M/M2. The prototype demonstrated in Bangalore did not have thrust vector exhausts, but, according to the manufacturer, these can be installed in production aircraft.
The strength of the Russian offer is that it would allow Su-35 fighter jets to be built in Brazil, fulfilling a key Brazilian demand, said Anatoly Isaikin, head of Rosoboronexport, which holds a monopoly on Russian arms exports.
"Our offer has a broad program of technology transfer - a full cycle of work on technical service, repairs, all the way to organizing the manufacture of Su-35s in Brazil," Isaikin told the Interfax news agency.
The offer submitted by Rosoboronexport to Brazil's defense ministry earlier this year "has maximum compliance with the Brazilian demands," he said.
A spokesman for Rosoboronexport, Vyacheslav Davydenko, confirmed that the Russian offer would allow Su-35 fighters, developed by Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi, to be built in Brazil.
"We think our plane has many advantages and we have good chances of winning the competition," Davydenko told AFP.
Brazil is seeking to acquire 36 combat aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of 12 French-made Mirage-2000 jets.
The contract is worth an estimated $4 billion to $7 billion, making it one of the biggest defense tenders in the world.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants his country to become one of the 21st century's major powers, has insisted that the winner agree to transfer technological know-how so Brazil can acquire the specialized knowledge to build its own independent defense industry.
France's Dassault, which has put forward its Rafale fighters, has been seen as the frontrunner due to its offer of technology transfer and longstanding military links between France and Brazil.
But it faces competition from U.S. aviation giant Boeing, which has offered Brazil its F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter, and Sweden's Saab, which has been talking up its Gripen NG aircraft.
Meanwhile, Russia has been eager to find new export markets for its weapons and military equipment, one of the few areas where Russian manufacturing has enjoyed strong sales abroad in recent years.
Russia has signed billions of dollars' worth of arms contracts with Brazil's neighbor Venezuela, including for the delivery of Sukhoi fighter jets to Caracas.

DTN News: Boeing Modernised High Frequency Communications System Enters Service With Australian Defence Force

*Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) BRISBANE, Queensland, - October 5, 2009: Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], Oct. 1, 2009., announced the successful introduction into service of its Modernised High Frequency Communication System (MHFCS) for Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations. Boeing Defence Australia received official confirmation of the milestone from the Defence Materiel Organisation on Sept. 24. Final contract acceptance by the Commonwealth of Australia is expected in 2010.
"Boeing's MHFCS team has built and delivered the most advanced high frequency system in the world," said Nan Bouchard, vice president and general manager of Boeing C3 Networks. "This is an outstanding achievement and a true indication of Boeing's commitment to developing advanced technology solutions globally for our customers."
The MHFCS provides the ADF with a world-leading communication system to securely transmit voice and data services such as e-mail, facsimiles and Web browsing for remote stations where traditional telephone services are limited or unavailable. It is considered the world's most advanced strategic HF communications network because of its automation levels, range and clarity, traffic volume and connection speed.
"With international markets already showing interest in the system, MHFCS has the capacity to change HF communications globally," said Steve Parker, vice president and general manager of Boeing Network and Space Systems -- Australia. "It can provide nations with the highest level of global connectivity while, for the first time, maintaining their national sovereignty and information security."
MHFCS was delivered in two phases: the core system and the final system. The core system, delivered in 2004, replaced three of the ADF's aging HF communications systems with a single integrated system consisting of four HF radio stations and two purpose-built control centers -- one primary center and one backup. The recently delivered final system provides greater levels of automation, performance and capability for ADF users, including two generic mobile upgrade systems -- one land-and-sea component and one air platforms component. Work has now commenced to complete the major remaining work scope by upgrading the backup control center (from which operations had been conducted since 2004) to the same configuration as the operational main control center.
Boeing Defence Australia, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company and a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is a leading Australian aerospace enterprise. With a world-class team of nearly 2,000 employees at 13 locations throughout Australia and two international sites, BDA supports some of the largest and most complex defense projects in Australia.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.

DTN News: Business TODAY October 5, 2009 ~ Cadbury Descendant Says Kraft Bid "Horror Story"* Related Info ~ DTN News: Business TODAY September 16, 2009 ~ Kraft CEO Plans Further Deal Talk With Cadbury dated Sept 16, 2009....(Click here for link)*Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) LONDON, England - October 5, 2009: A member of the Cadbury (CBRY.L) family has described Kraft's (KFT.N) takeover bid for the British confectionery group as a "horror story."
In comments to the Sunday Telegraph, Felicity Loudon, whose grandfather Egbert Cadbury was managing director of Cadbury Brothers, said she believed it was worth fighting to keep Cadbury out of the hands of North America's biggest food group.
"As a Cadbury I obviously feel particularly saddened by the possibility of one of the last remaining British icons disappearing into an American plastic cheese company."
Kraft, whose brands include Milka chocolate and Oreo biscuits, has until Nov 9 to make a formal offer for Cadbury.
The British group rejected Kraft's cash and shares approach, initially worth 10.2 billion pounds ($16.22 billion), at the start of September.
Loudon told the paper she was unsure if opposition to the bid can be mobilized from the family as she owns only a small number of Cadbury shares and is not particularly close to her brother and half-brothers.
(Reporting by Victoria Bryan; editing by John Stonestreet)

DTN News: Saudi Prince Urges U.S. To Sell Citigroup Stake ~ Report
*Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) ISTANBUL, Turkey - October 5, 2009: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a big investor in Citigroup, urged the U.S. government to sell its stake in the bank as soon as this year to boost investor confidence, Emerging Markets magazine reported. People walk beneath a Citibank branch logo in the financial district of San Francisco, California July 17, 2009.
"The earlier the U.S. government exits its investments in those companies, the better," as long as the withdrawal is not done in a way that hurts the prices of U.S. banking stocks, the Saudi billionaire was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday.
"We need to give confidence back to the shareholders and investors that these companies are moving along without government support."
A series of bailouts during the financial crisis has left the U.S. government with a 34 percent stake in Citigroup, after the bank obtained $45 billion from the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program.
Sources told Reuters last month that Citigroup was talking to U.S. officials about how the government should shed its 7.7 billion shares in the bank.
Alwaleed, who owns part of Citigroup through his investment firm Kingdom Holding Co, has said little in recent months about the stake. Kingdom owned 3.6 percent of the bank in July 2007 and five months later Alwaleed said he was among investors who agreed to put more money into the bank.
OPERATING PROFIT
Citigroup is expected to return to the black on an operating basis next year at the earliest, Alwaleed was quoted as saying in the interview.
"Citigroup has learned a huge lesson. The worst is behind them right now," Alwaleed said, adding that the bank's $100 billion of tangible common equity, "the highest in the industry," and the large scope of its operations meant its future was "very bright."
The bank has been profitable on a net basis in each of the last two quarters because of one-time gains and accounting items, but has not posted a quarterly profit from its main operations since 2007.
In the wake of the financial crisis, U.S. regulators have been discussing the problem of banks becoming "too big too fail" -- since the collapse of a big institution could undermine the entire banking system, governments can find themselves forced to spend huge sums supporting debt-ridden and unprofitable banks.
But Alwaleed said the solution to this problem was not breaking up big banks, and that he did not expect the U.S. government to decide to do this.
"Any failure of a broken-up bank is still going to impact the whole system. You need to fix the problem, not a symptom of the problem," he was quoted as saying.
(Reporting by Andrew Torchia)

DTN News: North Korean Willing To Engage In Talks On Controversial Nuclear Programme

*Source: DTN News / Int'l Media

(NSI News Source Info) SEOUL, South Korea - October 5, 2009: China says North Korea has expressed willingness to resolve its nuclear standoff with the world through negotiations.

According to Chinese media, North Korean Premier Kim Yong-Il has told visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday that Pyongyang was open to talks on its nuclear programs. "North Korea has never abandoned its willingness to realize this goal (denuclearizing the Korean peninsula) through bilateral and multilateral dialogue," China's state television quoted Kim as saying. The Chinese premier arrived in North Korea on Sunday and was greeted by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il at Pyongyang airport.

Wen is the most senior Chinese figure to visit North Korea since 2005 when President Hu Jintao paid a visit to the country. During his three-day visit, Wen is expected to urge the North to return to the stalled six-party disarmament negotiations, which Pyongyang withdrew from last year in protest at the United Nations censure of its long-range missile test on April 5.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Beijing's top envoy to the six-party talks are accompanying Wen on the visit portrayed by Chinese officials as a "goodwill trip."

Pyongyang has repeatedly said that it must keep its nuclear deterrent in the face of what it calls "US nuclear threats," adding that it prefers to directly negotiate with Washington.

(NSI News Source Info) BOGOTA, Colombia - October 5, 2009: Amid reports of a deal reached for the establishment of US military bases in Colombia, the country's foreign minister says there is no need for more American personnel.

In an effort to reassure other South American countries, Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez told the BBC that Colombia seeks only "information, technology, intelligence" in the form of military cooperation with the US.

"We don't need personnel, we need more information, technology, intelligence - that's the key issue… Those who fight best in Colombia are our own soldiers. We don't need American soldiers to do this." "We are not going to have American bases in Colombia.

Today we have 71 military personnel from the US," Bermudez said. His remarks come as South American nations feel threatened by what is considered as 'suspicious intentions' of their northern neighbor.

He, however, said while it is important for his country to stay in good relation with its neighbors, especially Venezuela, Colombia appreciates US help. The minister said the US has been helping Colombia in fighting "narco-traffickers and terrorists."